Grandpa Darrell Remembers… Mercy (part 1)

“While thoughtful when choosing his words, he confidently spoke in his soft-spoken manner.”

(For Photo Collage Captions, See Notes at the End of Grandpa Darrell’s (part 3)Perspective.)

PERSPECTIVES:

When invited to participate in this perspective endeavor reflecting on Jamie’s life and subsequent suicide, most family members offered openness to share their story. However, most did not feel either capable or comfortable to write their own perspectives. Therefore, I sent surveys and conducted oral interviews from their responses. These were used to establish primary source material from which to write on their behalf in the first person. In each perspective, you can expect “Reflections on the Interview” and “Brief History.” Both sections are written in the third person. Then, the voice will shift to first person for their Perspective.

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Reflections on the Interview:

On January 13, 2007 I interviewed both Grandpa and Grandma individually in their home in Wichita, Kansas. The home in which they raised their family. Prior to the interview, Grandpa Darrell and Grandma Wanda Plinsky both wrote multiple pages in their own handwriting along with filling out the initial project survey I sent to them. This made the interview much easier for me as I could just ask them to expound some or recount what they had already penned.

As I was preparing to go on a writing retreat following these interviews, I decided last minute to ask Grandpa to describe himself. And I love his succinct reply. Can you tell Grandma Hazel was his Mom?

“Think before I speak. (Hope what I say is right.) Much less talkative than my wife. {smile}”

Grandpa’s ease and peace stood out to me throughout our conversation. While thoughtful when choosing his words, he confidently spoke in his soft-spoken manner. Although this conversation, nearly 15 years after Jamie’s death, Grandpa Darrell did not seem to camp too long on any particular questioning element to Jamie’s depression and subsequent suicide. His desire: Remember Jamie. Be grateful daily to the Lord for His grace, mercy , and constant comfort.

Brief History:

Darrell Plinsky was the firstborn child to his parents, Ernie and Hazel. His family farmed. He attended a one room schoolhouse from grade school through high school in Beverly, Kansas. As an athlete, he lettered in basketball, football and baseball. From what I have been told, he threw a mean knuckle-ball.

He attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas prior to farming some for his Uncle Hermon. Uncle Hermon’s son was killed in Africa while serving in the US Army during World War II. Eventually, Darrell signed up for the military draft. He chose to serve in the US Navy. After bootcamp he was sent to the Aleutian Islands, Alaska where he boarded the ATR-32 ship, a fire fighting vessel, traveling with a fleet of ships bound to bombard the Japanese Islands.

At the end of World War II, Darrell returned to his hometown. He’d received many letters from Wanda during his many months away. He made a point to see her the first night home. Later, they were engaged and married about a year later. They raised three sons -David, Timothy, and Carlton- and two daughters -Lori and Gretchen. Darrell also attended Bible College in Colorado. His spent his working years at Quartzite Stone Co. (two years) and Tweco Manufacturing Co. (37 years). Additionally, he served at Calvary Bible Church for 50 years.

My Dad (Darrell and Wanda’s second son Tim) shared several observations of Grandpa Darrell during my growing up years. For example, Grandpa was a morning runner before running was cool. Additionally, my Dad said he gratefully remembers his Dad getting up before the rest of the family stirred. He began every day reading the Bible and on his knees in prayer. This quiet consistency laid a solid foundation for my Dad who did the same for me.

He and Grandma Wanda continue to faithfully pray for their entire family every day, plus any additional heartfelt concerns for any within their circle. I’m deeply grateful for their persevering love and care for each of us – far and near.

Although retired now and in his 90s, Darrell still maintains home projects although his pace has slowed some. He and Wanda still live in independently and are a true testimony of consistency and joy to their family.

prepared by Heidi L. Paulec

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Perspective:

Grandpa Darrell Remembers… Mercy

That Saturday evening in January of 1992 found us at our older daughter’s home caring for their children as she and her husband went out for the evening. Wanda (my wife) answered the phone. She broke down as she handed the phone to me. I knew something serious had happened—a critical injury or a death. Although naturally talkative, Wanda is not one to emotionally react like that without sufficient cause. The caller? Our youngest son. Jamie’s Dad.